Where to look for a cloud in a Xiaomi phone: detailed instructions with pictures and tips

Have you bought a Xiaomi smartphone and heard about the cloud, but you don’t know where to find it in the settings? or suddenly lost important files and want to restore them from backup? MIUI, How to upload data there and what to do if access is blocked, we will look at all the current ways, from the standard Mi Cloud to hidden features for power users.

It’s important to understand that Xiaomi offers two types of cloud services – the official Mi Cloud (15 GB free) and integrated solutions from Google (if you have Google Play services installed). MIUI For example, on the Redmi Note 12 with global firmware, the path to the cloud will be different from the Chinese version of Xiaomi 14 Pro.

If you’ve never set up a cloud before, start with β€œWhere is Mi Cloud in Settings” section, for those who have already used the service but can’t find the files they need, a data recovery manual will be helpful, and if the Suddenly cloud has stopped working, check the list of common bugs and their solutions.

1.Where is Mi Cloud in Xiaomi Settings

The most obvious way to find the cloud is through the main settings menu. on all Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO Black Shark is the same path, but there are nuances depending on the version. MIUI:

  • πŸ“± MIUI 14/15 (2023–2026 years: Settings β†’ Xiaomi account β†’ Mi Cloud
  • πŸ”„ MIUI 12-13: Settings β†’ Password and security β†’ Mi Cloud or Settings β†’ Synchronization
  • 🌍 Chinese firmware (without Google): Settings β†’ Account. β†’ Cloud (the name may be in Chinese: «»)

If you don’t see the Mi Cloud, you’ll probably see:

  1. You are not logged in to your Xiaomi account (you need to register or log in via Settings). β†’ Account).
  2. You have your sync disabled (check in Settings) β†’ Synchronization).
  3. Mi Cloud services are blocked in your region (relevant to some EU countries).

πŸ’‘

If you POCO F5 Or another model with a β€œclean” Android (no shell) MIUI), Xiaomi cloud may not be available, but instead use Google Drive or third-party services like Yandex Drive.

After you log in to Mi Cloud, you will see the main sections:

SectionWhat's storedDefault volume
ContactsPhone bookUnlimitedly
Photo PhotoPhotos and videos (original or compressed)Up to 15GB
NotesText notes from the Notes appUnlimitedly
Records.Voice recordings from the recorderUp to 5GB
Backup copyFull system backup (applications, settings, SMS)Up to 10GB
πŸ“Š Which cloud do you use more often?
Mi Cloud
Google Drive
Yandex Disc.
iCloud
Other

2.Alternative: Google Cloud on Xiaomi

If you use a Xiaomi smartphone with Google services (global or European firmware), then in addition to the Mi Cloud, you automatically have backup in Google Account.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Google β†’ Backup.
  2. Make sure that the backup switch in Google Drive is active.
  3. Click Backup Management to see the saved data.

⚠️ Note: Google and Xiaomi sync different types of data. for example, Mi Cloud saves SMS And notes from the standard Notes app, and Google only contacts, calendars and some app settings. To avoid losing data, it is recommended to use both services.

If you want to manually upload files to Google Drive:

  • πŸ“ Install Google Drive from the Play Market.
  • πŸ”— Log in to the same account as on your phone.
  • πŸ“€ Press Β«+Β» β†’ Β«Download" and select the files.
What happens if you turn off backup in Google?
Without backup, you will lose: - Contacts (if not synced with Mi Cloud) - Wi-Fi and application settings - Call logs - Data of some games (for example, progress in Genshin Impact) It will be impossible to recover them.

3. Hidden cloud features: what is not shown in the settings

Few people know, but in MIUI There are hidden cloud sync capabilities that don't show up in the main menu:

  • πŸ” Wi-Fi password sync: If you are logged in to Mi Account on multiple Xiaomi devices, the phone will automatically tighten the saved networks. β†’ Wi-Fi β†’ Additionally. β†’ Synchronization of networks.
  • πŸ“± Data transfer between phones: When you first turn on a new Xiaomi smartphone, the system will offer to transfer data from the old device through the cloud (even if you did not backup).
  • πŸ”„ Automatic Screenshot Download: In some firmware, screenshots are automatically sent to Mi Cloud (check Settings). β†’ Additionally. β†’ Screenshots).

Important: if you reset your phone to factory settings without decoupling from your Mi Account, all data in the cloud will remain, but access to it will be blocked for 7 days (anti-theft protection).

Untie the device from the Mi Account|Download important files from the cloud to PC|Remember the login/password from the account|Disable two-factor authentication (if necessary)

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Another secret: you can enable automatic sync in the original quality of the photo in the Mi Cloud, but it eats up the space very quickly.

  1. Open the gallery β†’ Settings β†’ Cloud synchronization.
  2. Choose Original Quality (if needed) or Compressed (saves space).
  3. Specify which folders to sync (only Camera and Screenshots are defaults).

4 How to recover data from Xiaomi cloud

If you lost files or bought a new phone, you can recover data from Mi Cloud in two ways:

Method 1: Recovery at first inclusion

If the phone is new or after resetting:

  1. When you first start, select Restore from backup.
  2. Enter the Mi Account.
  3. Select the latest backup (pay attention to the date!).
  4. Confirm the recovery and wait until it is completed (may take up to 30 minutes).

Method 2: Selective recovery

If the phone is already configured:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Xiaomi Account β†’ Mi Cloud β†’ Backup.
  2. Click on the desired copy and select Restore.
  3. Check only the data you need (for example, only Contacts or Photos).

⚠️ Warning: When you restore a full backup, all current data on your phone will be erased! If you want to save some files, copy them to your PC or other media first.

If the recovery does not work:

  • πŸ”Œ Check your internet connection (better to use Wi-Fi).
  • πŸ”„ Update. MIUI last-minute.
  • πŸ“± Make sure you have enough space on your phone (at least 20% free memory is needed to recover).

πŸ’‘

Recovery from Mi Cloud only works on Xiaomi devices. If you are switching to a smartphone of another brand (such as Samsung), transfer data manually or through a Google Account.

5.Typical Xiaomi Cloud Errors and How to Fix Them

Users often experience problems with Mi Cloud, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
β€œI couldn’t connect to the server.”Problems with the Internet or servers XiaomiSwitch to mobile internet or check the status of servers at status.mi.com
"Not enough space."15GB limit exceededClean up unnecessary files in the Mi Cloud β†’ Storage management or buy additional space
"No device found"The phone is not tied to the accountRe-enter the Mi Account or link the device manually
"Synchronization stopped."Background activity is disabled for Mi CloudAllow auto-start in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Mi Cloud

If you see a message β€œAccount is blocked”, this may mean:

  • πŸ”’ You have too often entered the wrong password (24-hour lock).
  • πŸ“ Your region does not support Mi Cloud (relevant for some countries).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Xiaomi suspected suspicious activity (such as hacking attempt).

To unlock the account:

  1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
  2. Click Forgot Password? and follow the instructions.
  3. If the lock is due to the region, use it. VPN (For example, India or Singapore).

6.How to access the Xiaomi cloud from your computer

Managing files in Mi Cloud is easier on a PC.

  1. Go to the official website: https://i.mi.com.
  2. Sign in to your Mi Account (login and password are the same as on your phone).
  3. From the menu on the left, select the desired section (Photos, Notes, Backups, etc.).

To upload files to the PC:

  • πŸ“ Open the folder (for example, Photos).
  • πŸ” Check the required files.
  • πŸ“₯ Click Download (files are packed in.zip archive).

⚠️ Note: some files (such as backups) are downloaded in encrypted form:

  1. Download the file to the phone.
  2. Open through Settings β†’ Xiaomi account β†’ Mi Cloud β†’ Backup copy.
  3. Confirm recovery.

If you want to automatically sync your photos to your PC:

  • πŸ–₯️ Install the official Mi app PC Suite from Xiaomi website.
  • πŸ”— Put the phone on. USB and enable File Transfer Mode.
  • πŸ“€ In the program, select Backup or Synchronization of photos.

πŸ’‘

To speed up loading large files to the cloud from your PC, use Google Chrome browser – it works best with the web version of Mi Cloud.

7: Xiaomi Cloud Security: How to Protect Your Data

Xiaomi claims that the data in the Mi Cloud is encrypted, but additional security measures will not hurt.

  • πŸ” Enable two-factor authentication: Go to Settings β†’ Xiaomi account β†’ Security. Select two-step verification. Link your phone number or email.
  • πŸ“± Set up application lock: Open Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Block applications. Add Mi Cloud to the list of protected applications (required) PIN print).

Check out active sessions

  1. Go to account.xiaomi.com.
  2. In the Security section, see which devices are logged in.
  3. Delete suspicious sessions.

For maximum confidentiality:

  • πŸ”’ Use file encryption before downloading (for example, archive them with a password through a file file file). 7-Zip).
  • πŸ“΅ Turn off automatic synchronization for sensitive data (e.g., document scans).
  • 🌍 For critical files, use foreign clouds (Proton Drive, Tresorit).

If you are choosing between Mi Cloud and Google Drive, consider:

  • πŸ“± Mi Cloud is better synchronized SMS, notes and settings MIUI.
  • 🌍 Google Drive is more convenient for working with documents (Google Docs, Sheets) and is compatible with any device.

For maximum reliability, use two clouds at the same time.

  • πŸ“Έ Mi Cloud – for photos and contacts.
  • πŸ“„ Google Drive – for documents and app backups.

πŸ’‘

If you’re switching between different brands (e.g. Xiaomi to iPhone), go for Google Drive or iCloud, which is more versatile than the Mi Cloud.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

πŸ” How to Increase Your Space in Mi Cloud for Free?
Xiaomi periodically holds promotions where you can get additional gigabytes. Follow the news in the official community Mi Community. +1GB. Participate in firmware testing (sometimes bonuses); Clean up unnecessary files (in Mi Cloud) β†’ If you need space urgently, remove old backups β€” they take up the most space.
⚠️ What to do if Mi Cloud asks you to link your phone number?
This is Xiaomi's security requirement for new accounts. If you can't link a number: Try using another carrier's number (virtual numbers are sometimes blocked). Log in via the web version (account.xiaomi.com) and link the number there. If the number is already used in another account, untie it through Xiaomi support. ⚠️ Without a linked number, you will not be able to restore access to your account if you lose your password!
πŸ“± Can I use Mi Cloud without the internet?
No, Mi Cloud is an online service, and sync is required Internet. However: You can view files already downloaded offline (they are cached on your phone). β†’ Settings β†’ Cloud synchronization: Backups are created locally before uploading to the cloud (you can find them in the cloud). /MIUI/backup/AllBackup phone-on).
πŸ”„ How to transfer data from Mi Cloud to Google Drive?
There is no direct export, but you can do it manually: Download files from Mi Cloud to your PC (via i.mi.com); Uncancel downloaded data (if it is in.zip); Upload files to Google Drive via the web version or mobile app; For contacts and calendar: Export them in.vcf (for contacts) or.ics (for calendar) from Mi Cloud. Import them to Google Contacts and Google Calendar.
πŸ›‘οΈ Can I remotely erase my phone data from Mi Cloud?
Yes, this is called Remote Management, and it's available at i.mi.com. To use it, log in to your Mi Account. Select the device in Devices. Click Delete and confirm the action. ⚠️ Warning: After this operation, the phone will be reset to factory settings and it will be impossible to recover data! Use the function only as a last resort (for example, when stealing your phone).